Tag: Faith

Just writing, Philosophical musings

Faith and Friendship and December 

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“Anyone who requites faith and friendship as I did, will have to pay for it.”

The Professor’s House by Willa Cather. 

I’ve already shared my review of this novel, and this quote has inspired me to write this post.

The reason behind this quote was the loss of a friend —not through death, but through disagreement and disappointment. One was an idealist, the other an opportunist. Though they made good company together, at the first conflict, their paths parted. It was the idealist who said these words, lamenting the loss of true friendship to uncompromising ideals.

Faith and friendship are such precious gifts— too precious to be returned, too fragile to be repaired.

One is blessed to have them strong, and to keep them safe and nourished. 

How strong? How safe, how nourished? 

The balance depends on how much you are committed.

Along this journey,

perfection and idealism are neither required nor recommended.

Materialism, modernism, and other -isms have no place here.

These precious gifts need a simple home with strong pillars.

Understanding and sincerity can be the main pillars. 

But, if the pillars break, the building will collapse.

Then, regret follows,

and what a heavy, merciless creditor regret can be!

In brief, this is my interpretation of the quote, which I see as the bulb of the book. And perhaps you might think of it as… just a pat on the shoulder on the first of December. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Pray For Flowers…

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…but don’t be surprised when the Almighty sends rain first.

Success, happiness, peace, health, wealth, and victory are all flowers of a beautiful harvest.

The hardworking, 

the innocent souls, 

the broken hearts, 

the poor victims, 

they all pray.

Day after day,

Month after month.

A year passed.

A second year too.

They wait,

and

wait,

and

wait.

Then, instead of flowers,

God sends rain,

Heavenly rain,

Blessed rain.

To wipe the tears of the mournful,

To relieve the pain of the suffering,

To quench the thirst of the tired,

To wash away ashes,

To nourish the land.

And let flowers blossom,

And Bloom,

again and again.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Dreams and Hope

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Sometimes, you pause and think: 

Aren’t dreams … just dreams?

Can this dream, actually… truly come true? 

Does hope really exist? 

Is there ease after hardship?

And then you smile, take a long breath, and whisper: 

Yes they say they are dreams, but dreams can come true.

Yes, hope exists; there’s always tomorrow

And yes, ease comes after hardship, for there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Don’t you know that the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) begins with a dream, and ends with that dream coming true?

Have faith!

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Amity

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Amity is not just about friendship. Right?

Amity is about harmony, peace, and goodwill, wherever you find them. You might find it hidden between the lines of a book, or expressed as a simple thought in a post, or wrapped as a warm greeting in a text message.

But you know what? Amity is becoming rarer and rarer these days, but that’s not its fault. Noble qualities don’t go out of fashion. They don’t become extinct. They are just … not loud, not showy, and definitely not fake.

So, amity is one of those noble qualities that love to build, rebuild, and rebuild. In other words, if mistakes or wrongdoings break part of it, apologies and sincerity can mend it. It can wait, accept excuses, and even fix broken things, but not forever. It may lose its cheerfulness, its patience, but never its light.

And there’s something special about amity. It can melt lead, soften hearts, and overcome even the fiercest enmity.

Have you ever heard of the adage: “After enmity comes love?” By the way, it is well known in the Arabic world. But… honestly, I think this kind of transformation needs miracles. I believe in divine miracles. And, I believe only God knows which enmity can be softened into amity, and which heart is truly open to love?

Am I confusing you?

I hope not.



With hope and peace,

Nahla










personal thoughts

What is the Art of Waiting?

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It’s the highly esteemed virtue—

the companion of wisdom,

the friend of perseverance,

the key to peace,

the first rule of trust,

the fuel for success,

the road to love,

and the gate to happiness.



Am I missing something?

Oh yes—

it’s the prayer we repeat,
believing it’s been heard
and will be answered
at its perfect time.

Now, do you know what the art of waiting is?

It’s patience.
And it is really hard to master this highest form of art.

But, sometimes, people test your patience until you can’t hold the horses anymore. You won’t just let the horses go wild, but you might burn the bridges or, like Samson, destroy the temple.

Perhaps that’s why patience can’t thrive without faith.

Aren’t the patient the most blessed?



With hope and peace,

Nahla

daily prompt

Why is the world so cruel?

nhpureandsimple

Have you ever been camping?

What’s the first thought that crossed your mind when you read the word “Camping”?


The fun times, family holidays, starry nights, games, laughter, and the warm campfire. Am I right?

Now, have you ever thought about the people living in the heart of this world who have no choice but to live in camps with very basic qualities and facilities? These are people who, not only face unimaginable hardships, but have been forced to move, perhaps every single day, just to escape death and live one more hour of life with what remains of their family.

There, in those heartbreaking camps, starry nights are full of danger, and days full of hard work. Children’s eyes are full of tears and fear. Mothers and fathers dig life with their nails, striving for their families’ survival. The old and the young alike give everything they have, to help, to survive, and to tell the world how their camps know no fun, no peace.

Why is the world so cruel? And don’t blame God. Those innocent people despite all their misery, never do, because that’s not God’s doing. When you believe that life is temporary, you’ll definitely understand that evil will never last– just like fire, which eating and destroying itself.

Isn’t it ironic that some believe Adam’s forgiveness guarantees his offsprings the same blessing, regardless of their deeds? But, Adam committed just one sin, yet he spent his whole entire life repenting, working hard, learning, and nurturing his pure soul. Adam’s hands had no blood, his heart felt no hatred, and his soul knew no greed.

I’m sorry to disturb your rosy memories of camping.

I only hope that you would at least pray for those who are suffering in other camps– camps that know no roses, no sweet dreams.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

story

The Simple Answer

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One day, thousands of years ago, a Bedouin passed by a believer who was tending for some chores outside his humble house. Without greetings, without any introduction, the Bedouin threw a question at the believer.

“Why would I believe in God?”

The believer turned and smiled at the man. “And, why not? You have nothing to lose and perhaps far more to gain than you ever dreamed of.

Can things be simpler than this genuine, brief answer?

With hope and peace,

Nahla






personal thoughts

A Debt You Don’t Owe

nhpureandsimple

That’s worrying, and it’s awful. 

As usual, I came across this quote while scrolling through Instagram. And, as always, it reminded me of what had been my strongest enemy over the years:  my worries.

If you’re hoping this post will offer any tips on how or why to overcome your worries, then I am sorry, so sorry. All I can offer are kind words and prayers. Something like; ‘Don’t think about it too much,’ ‘I hope everything will be alright,’ or ‘Don’t forget to hand your worries to God.’ The same simple phrases I use to soothe myself or others when worries strick.

This method might seem useless to some, but to me, it’s the best. Imagine, you’re worried about … say your job as some of your colleagues get fired. So far, you seem to be in the safe zone, but without safe mind for your worries are eating it bit by bit. You pour out your worries to me, and I say: ‘Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.’ Would that really ease your mind? Or would that remind you of your actual debts and make you feel like throwing yourself out of the window?

Everyone has their own worries. It seems that even though life is becoming easier, it’s also becoming harder. There’s nothing quite like finding a good listener, someone to hear your worries, and reassure you with kind advice or heartfelt prayers. But, in most cases, people are busy, and overwhelmed with their own worries. They don’t want to listen, but to talk and nonstop.

Over the years, I’ve learned that most of the things we worry about don’t actually happen. Yet, they stay there inside our heads for a while, tightening each and every muscle, piling pressure on the skull, and causing the most awful type of headache: the tension headache. And you know what? No medication, no scientific tips, no meditation, nothing can relieve this headache like your own determination to overcome your worries.

I mentioned earlier that my worries had been my strongest enemy. They were, but not anymore. Raising a family is no easy task. Raising a family in a foreign land is ever harder. And raising a family with no family or friends around is the hardest of all. You can imagine why worries find it easy to pay me a visit every now and then. But those worries taught me to think differently and grow stronger, and, most importantly to hope for the best, and never lose my faith.

With hope and peace,

Nahla










personal thoughts

Water — Literary and Literally

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What Is Water? 

There are two ways to answer this question — literarily or literally. Which one do you prefer?

Of course, in a science class, I would have no other choice but to define water using its H2O formula. I’d have to think of it, literally: as molecules, atoms, and a chemical substance existing in three different states — liquid, gas, and solid. Such great, interesting, and very important facts, indeed. But, do we need to study water to know it ?

That’s why, with all due respect to science, in most cases, my brain leans toward thinking literarily, and in most cases, I let it take the full reign.

So, to literarily answer the question, I’d say: water is the soul of life. It’s the source of life. It’s pure, clear, and holy. It’s sweet, salty, and unique. It’s up there in the sky, lies deep underground, and flows between the mountains.

Nothing quenches your thirst like water. Nothing cleanses your body like water. And, nothing purifies your heart like genuine tears, which, too, are water.

Water gives and takes, destroys and builds, heals and wounds.

It’s so powerful, yet so gentle.

It’s part of our creation, every creature’s creation.

Isn’t it miraculous? Far more wondrous than the Seven Wonders of the World?

Ironically, a Bedouin in the desert, a farmer in the village, and even an animal in the woods appreciate this divine blessing more than students in a science class.

And here’s a beautiful quote by Rumi that says: “Perform your ablution with love, for a prayer with a spiteful heart is not permissible.” (My translation). A spiteful heart is the only thing water cannot cleanse, because it is unreachable, untouchable. It’s only when that spiteful heart discovers love that water can reach and cleanse it, fully preparing it for the sacred prayer.


With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

They Don’t Cost Much

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There are things that cost little but can brighten your day, draw a genuine smile on your face, and take you by beautiful surprise.

These things surround us in abundance, waiting just for us to notice and enjoy. Can you think of any? Please do.

Isn’t it interesting how these little things that make your day can be as much given as received? What could be better than kind words spoken fully and sincerely, without abbreviations? They are simple, free, and abundant.

Everyday greetings, wishes, and casual compliments are among the simplest you can offer to make someone’s day. “Thank you”, “Good morning”, “Have a good day” – all are free of charge, yet full of beautiful meaning.

Have you ever thought that there is a higher level of kind words, those that can fill your heart with peace and delight? These are blessings.

I once read that the word  “Hello” doesn’t exist in the Gaelic culture. Instead, blessings were used during their daily encounters. Isn’t this beautiful? This is so similar to my Arabic culture, where blessings are plentiful in our greetings.

May peace be with you.
May God be with you.
May God guide your path.
Be in God’s care and assistance.

There are loads of blessings, and do you know what, goodness in my form – be in words, deeds, or feelings – always returns to the one who gives it.

So, why give less when you can give more? After all, you will receive your great share of happiness. That’s God’s promise for both the giver and the receiver.

With hope and peace,

Nahla